Product strategist helping brands like Urban Outfitters, Miu Miu, Loewe & Acne Studios shape what’s next. I read culture, spot shifts, and turn them into future products, stories & experiences. Ask me anything on trends, branding, or product vision 👀

Victoria Diaz

Wow! Babe, thanks you for your contacting.

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Small market doesn't mean shit: Yes, Lithuania is a small market but a vibrant one. Sometimes small markets are more "wild" than big markets. I'll give you a tiny example: Japan is a big market but often Japanese young creatives search abroad for markets more open minded and less traditional. You see? the grass is always greener somewhere else :-) Think regional: if Lithuania is too small think of The Baltics as an option. Geographical proximity will also save you time and costs if you engage in regional projects . These countries are also similar en views and cultural background.Get smart and resourceful with found-rising: If I understood well you'd like to work with social/public space design  or community design. Most of those projects get financial resources from European founds or private companies. I recommend you to check constantly what are European founds priorities and what kind of projects they are willing to put money to. In the case of private companies I recommend you to create projects that would give brands visibility and go pitching get finances for your projects.Think migration: One in 30 people is a migrant according to the World Migration Report 2022, which states: “Humans are a migratory species… who are driven to wander by diverse motives, but nearly always with some idea of material improvement.” As new migratory patterns emerge due to factors such as climate change and conflict displacement, brands will see opportunities to add skills to their workforces and design for emerging needs, while cities will need to pivot to integrate the cultural dynamics of newcomers. Also look out for the emergence of ‘retail migration’ whereby digital nomads or those seeking more economically comfortable lives in tier 2 and 3 cities or resort towns spark retail booms and new cultural experiences. Human migration is increasing on a global scale, and it will reshape communities, enhance workforce talent and cause cities to embrace new cultural dynamics. Embrace strategic partnerships with community organizations: foster connection and a sense of belonging by getting involved with local organizations, using your brand’s USP to fill gaps needed for social impact.Add reassuring touch-points: build long-term loyalty by prioritizing acts of care for newcomers who may be overwhelmed by change, such as free hot meals or targeted customer service for language barriers.Be mindful not to displace local businesses: major retailers seeking new opportunities should be mindful of integrating with established boutiques and brands that contribute to the unique character of an area, rather than displacing them.Lecture/share: a good source to connect with experts and expand your network is lecturing or writing articles. There are tones of events beyond the obvious (a.k.a. Milan Design Week). Also to create installations in the frame of design weeks can boost your visibility as an expert like this installation by Samuel Ross for example.Explore out of the obvious these interior trade shows like for example: Inspired Home Show in Chicago, NY Now & Shoppe Object , Ambiente, Creativeworld, Christmasworld.WTF means global?: many experts ask me "Victoria, how do I go global?" when in fact global brands always look for hyper-local experts. Weird, right? I give you an example: is Acne Studios wants to open a new market, let's say USA. Then the brand needs a local partner or local distributor who has the know-how on how to successfully introduce an international brand to the USA market. So my last tip is to reconsider and answer to your self how "global" you wanna be and how your knowledge is going to be useful to brands :-)Some key strategies for interiors that might be useful for your sketchbook:Sustainability efforts: brands translate climate awareness into interactive marketing products.WasteMadeWonderful: waste streams are becoming a valuable source of materials.Nature-inspired: note new interpretations of Biophilic narratives aboundEnhanced outdoors: outdoor product ranges are imbued with indoor style and comfort.Adjustable design: flexible and practical designs to accommodate changing lifestyles are key.Architectural influence: ModernClassicism inspires simplicity no-fuss aestheticsWellness focus: HealingDesign is incorporated into products and environments inclusively.Relaxed curves: generously softened silhouettes and finishes dominate with interior products.Ultra-soft: sensorial and ultra-soft tactility was spied across the fairsDigitalCosy: the digital aesthetic remains a key direction.KidultOptimism: playful and exuberant statement styles bring high-energy eclectism.

Babe, I hope I somehow answered your question. If you want/need any follow up or you have more questions contact me. I'm at your service. I know it's not easy to navigate your professional life, but think of change as a tool, not as a distraction.

Love,

Victoria

Wow! Babe, thanks you for your contacting.

Here a few comments that might be useful:

Babe, I hope I somehow answered your question. If you want/need any follow up or you have more questions contact me. I'm at your service. I know it's not easy to navigate your professional life, but think of change as a tool, not as a distraction.

I am finding your story and personality enormously inspiring! Maybe you can help finding the path or further steps in my career. I have background of 10 years in marketing as brand manager for international brands, after career change and new studies recent 2 years I am working as interior designer and creative freelance (visual and interactive spaces, event decor ideas). I really believe in experiential spaces, temporary art instalations, and manipulating materials and creating certain feeling in spaces (one of my interests are interior design, environmental psichology, how spaces impact us).I would like to create experiential spaces,   temporary shop display ideas (eg pride month), but while  Lithuanian market is really small, so I was wondering how to go global? How to become international creative freelance visual creator (I believe that my background is enough)? And as the world goes digital so fast, how to become a modern version, future version of visual creator freelance? Many thanx for your answers xx J.

Victoria Diaz

How to become global visual creator?

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